For non-ficition the way most books suggest is a one page query letter explaining why they should look at your proposal in a few paragraphs.

Based on this you can hope for a request for a proposal that includes an extensive synopsis, sample chapters and a bunch of marketing stuff. All the reference books mention that some agents suggest skipping the query and going straight to the book proposal.

Ah, I didn't realize the proposal would be so long and detailed. I would just make sure you know what the specific agent you're going after wants.

Heh. I gave my dad the link to the GWW LJ post with my most recent entry, because I really wanted him to read it. This is what he replied with:

Sometimes the bleak lasted longer than it should have, and I got a little anxious. Sometimes hope was an awfully small candle, providing only a firefly's glow in a downpour of doubts. Sometimes I had to contemplate the risk of being the surviving half of two, providing a safe haven so the future could happen. And there were even times when self was a moment away from dissolving into tears.
But I'm the parent! She's looking to me for everything!
Quick -- think of a ring, fall through it --
(warm smile and nod)
"Everything's going to be OK, punkin, it's just going to take a little longer. Did I ever tell you about when I worked for a potato rancher in Idaho, herding the spuds to market and protecting them from rustlers carrying potato mashers? No? Well, it was like this..."

Thanks for being my kid.
Love, Dad

Your dad? Awesome. He's not looking to adopt a 33 y.o., is he?

Allergies are acting up but thanks for sharing that, Jilli.

passes kleenex to Nicole

• sniffle*

Jilli, you're dad sounds like the sweetest man.

I think Ima send cookies to Jilli's dad.

Damn my allergies. One Claritin is not enough. Jilli, what a wonderful man your father is.

Jilli's parents are the bomb-diggety. I only hope I give Joanna a reason to like me half as well.

Wow. I kinda love Jilli's dad now, and I've never even met him.